Alkylation of cyclomalto-oligosaccharides (cyclodextrins) with dialkyl sulfate-barium hydroxide: heterogeneity of products and the marked effect of the size of the macrocycle.

The alkylation of cyclomalto-oligosaccharides (cyclodextrins, CDs) with dialkyl sulfate-barium hydroxide has been claimed to yield 2,6-di-O-alkyl derivatives. Re-investigation by plasma desorption-m.s. of the products of laboratory methylation of alpha CD, beta CD, or gamma CD and ethylation of beta CD and several commercial preparations revealed them to be mixtures with broad and roughly symmetrical distributions of the degree of substitution. Recrystallization separated the components only partially. Analysis of the product of methylation of a mixture of CDs established the order of reactivity gamma much greater than alpha greater than or equal to beta. The reactivity of gamma CD thus resembles that of amylose.